Liberal Democrats call on Andy Burnham to create civilian emergency volunteer register
The Liberal Democrats have urged Mayor Andy Burnham to set up a voluntary civilian register for use in a national emergency or attack.
The Liberal Democrats have pressed Mayor Andy Burnham to establish an emergency register that would allow civilians to volunteer for support during a large-scale attack on the UK. Their defence spokesperson argues the scheme is urgent and points to existing registers in Finland and elsewhere as models. The party also proposes creating a Civilian Readiness Secretary to organise non-military assets before a crisis hits.
The call is framed against a backdrop of NATO reinforcing its eastern flank and senior European officials warning of increased Russian aggression. French President Emmanuel Macron has recently highlighted the growing threat of Russian attacks on Europe. The Liberal Democrats contend that a formal volunteer network would give the public a clear way to contribute to national resilience.
Why it matters
A civilian volunteer register could boost the UK's capacity to respond quickly to large-scale emergencies or attacks.
How this story developed
- Sep 1 Prime Minister Andy Burnham to Address Commons on First Day Back
- Sep 3 Burnham announced a plan to extend devolution to all parts of England and to increase public control of utilities.
- Sep 3 During the opening of Reform UK's three-day conference in Birmingham, deputy leader Richard Tice warned against Chinese buses and goods, urging support for British manufacturing. Yet the nearby merchandise stall offered caps, hoodies and water bottles that were produced in China alongside items from Bangladesh, Pakistan and India. Prices ranged from £5 for pins to £45 for hoodies, with a UK-made Nigel Farage tea towel costing £20. The speech also highlighted the party’s broader business agenda and its leader Nigel Farage’s recent controversies.
- Sep 4 Bond yields surged to their fastest rise since the 2022 mini‑budget, wiping out £12 billion of fiscal headroom.
- Sep 6 Burnham pledged to transfer failing utilities into public ownership.
- Sep 6 John Healey will launch a £150 million fund aimed at supporting university spin-outs and other high-growth companies across northern England.
- Sep 6 West Midlands Police have issued a call for the protester to come forward to assist their inquiry.
- Sep 7 Healey also pledged steps to curb borrowing costs, energy bills, regulation and labour expenses on UK businesses.
- Sep 9 Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he will not trim social security programmes to meet the 3 % of GDP defence spending goal and gave no timetable for reaching it.
- Sep 9 Burnham publicly rejected the welfare‑cut funding plan.
- Sep 13 Burnham faced his first Prime Minister's Questions where opposition members pressed him on funding for his agenda.
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